Multi-Link-Panel

The Multi-Link-Panel is an innovative, modular rooflight system that is incredibly quick to install and that outperforms more traditional systems in terms of cost, performance, and appearance.

Multi-Link-Panel rooflights consist of pre-assembled modular glazing panels, manufactured to size for each individual project. Each panel comprises aluminium structural bars that are glazed with lightweight, yet tough, multiwall, or solid polycarbonate. The aluminium can be powder coated to a range of colours for a rust and maintenance-free life.

As panels are pre-assembled in a controlled factory environment possible contamination and errors in installation caused by on-site cutting of the glazing sheet can be avoided.

Speed of installation

One of the major benefits of the Multi-Link-Panel relates to the speed at which it can be installed. This is achieved by two factors:

The pre-assembled nature of the panels which are delivered to site ready to be installed.
The unique 'fix and link' design of the bar system.

Watch our Installation sequence here

These properties can result in saving two thirds of the time taken to install traditional split bar glazing systems. This can save on labour costs and also drastically reduce any necessary factory/premises shutdown time required while work is carried out overhead. This reduction in installation time has made the use of these rooflights a very attractive option on many rail projects where there is limited possession time in which to carry out the work.

Handling during installation is easier and safer than with traditional glass systems as panels are constructed from materials that are both strong and light in weight. The reduction in weight compared with glass systems has the added benefit of lowering the overall weight of the roof construction, decreasing the stresses on the existing fabric of a building, especially important where a roof refurbishment is being undertaken.

Glazing Options

Much of the quickness and simplicity of the Multi-Link-Panel comes from the installation system, with its fix and link aluminium glazing bars. But its long-term performance also comes from the glazing substrate – polycarbonate.

Incredibly tough, yet light in weight this sheet will withstand building and roof movement without shattering, cracking, crazing or breaking. This virtually unbreakable glazing avoids the need for on-going maintenance programmes which are often required with glass. It also eliminates the high costs and potential dangers caused by broken glass fragments, shards or dust falling onto people and products below.

You can choose from the following polycarbonate glazing options. These are generally offered in a clear, or Georgian wired effect.

Use of Multi-Link-Panel Thermal option also offers building owners considerable environmental benefits in terms of their heat insulation properties and light transmission, (especially when using the multiwall glazing) helping to reduce energy costs and improve their carbon footprint. Add to that the fact that both the aluminium and the polycarbonate can be recycled at the end of their long-life span and you have a really green rooflight.

Polycarbonate is incredibly light in weight compared with glass (6mm glass weighs 15 Kg/m2, while 6mm solid polycarbonate only weighs 7.2 Kg/m2). This makes it much easier to handle than a glass rooflight and it means that it can be fitted on to a more elegant looking framework than is required by glass. Because polycarbonate is such a tough material there are no breakages during installation.

Multi-Link-Panels NF (Non-Fragile)

These days we manufacture our Multi-Link-Panels in such a way that they pass the Health & Safety Executives recommended drop test ACR[M]001:2019 ‘Test for Non-Fragility of Profiled Sheeting Roofing Assemblies’. Full information on this topic is covered on our Non-Fragile page.

Specification

If you wish to specify our Multi-Link-Panel system, please see our Specification page.

Help & Advice

If you have a project in mind or would like help or advice on any of our products or services, please either ring us on 01925 811311, email us at enquiries@twinfix.co.uk or get in touch via the enquiry form on our Contact Us page.

Related Downloads

Filename	File Type	Size
Photosheet Solid Polycarbonate.pdf	PDF	1.84 MB
Multi-Link-Panel-Brochure.pdf	PDF	463 KB
Case-Study Pembroke Dock Station.pdf	PDF	4.06 MB
Case-Study Aberdeen Station.pdf	PDF	2.30 MB
Rhyl Station Case Study.pdf	PDF	2.17 MB
WB-03 - 25mm Multi-Link Section.pdf	PDF	31 KB
WB-03 - 25mm Multi-Link Section.dxf	DXF	384 KB
WB-03 - 25mm Multi-Link Section.dwg	DWG	146 KB
WB-02 - 16mm Multi-Link Section.pdf	PDF	29 KB
WB-02 - 16mm Multi-Link Section.dxf	DXF	313 KB

RIBA NBS Specifications (PDF Format)

Filename	File Type	Size
Exolon 6mm Solid Clear Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile.pdf	PDF	93 KB
Exolon 6mm Solid Obscure Multi-link Non-Fragile.pdf	PDF	93 KB
Exolon 6mm Obscure Georgian Wired Effect Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile.pdf	PDF	128 KB
Twinfix Exolon 16mm Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile.pdf	PDF	61 KB

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Other Specifications

Filename	File Type	Size
DSG-5072 - multi-link panel 3D view and section on (50mm wide) 6mm solid bar.pdf	PDF	291 KB

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Related FAQs

1. What thicknesses, sizes and colours are available in multiwall polycarbonate?

We can supply you from stock in 6mm, 10mm 16mm and 25mm thicknesses. Many different sheet sizes are available up to 7 metre x 2.1 metre, but not every thickness is available in every size so it is always best to check with our sales office. In 10mm, 16mm and 25mm we can supply clear, opal and bronze variants. We will also be launching 32mm in the very near future.

2. What is the minimum pitch for a polycarbonate roof?

Never install polycarbonate flat. Our standard glazing systems require a minimum pitch of 5° to ensure water can run off the roof and to eliminate ‘puddling’. Our Multi-Link-Panel modular system should be installed with a minimum 10° pitch. Contact us if you require clarification.

3. Can you walk on polycarbonate sheet?

Polycarbonate has been tested against UK wind and snow loads and we can supply you with recommended glazing centres for each thickness of polycarbonate. However you should never walk directly on polycarbonate sheet. A crawling board or similar should be placed across at least two structural supports of the roof. We can manufacture aluminium framed polycarbonate panels which have been tested for non-fragility to ACR[M]001:2019 – this does not mean you can walk on the polycarbonate but gives added resistance to accidental falls.

4. How do you clean polycarbonate sheet?

Gently wash the sheet with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, using a soft, grit free cloth or sponge to loosen any dirt or grime. Rinse over with clean water to remove any residue. NEVER use a proprietary glass cleaner.

5. What is the life span of multiwall polycarbonate sheet?

The manufacturers of multiwall polycarbonate sheet offer a ten year written limited warranty on the product which covers discolouration, loss of light transmission and loss of impact strength due to weathering. That does not mean that after 10 years the sheet will fail, we have installations that have been in situ longer than 10 years with no obvious detrimental affect either in appearance or performance.

6. How much light does multiwall polycarbonate let through?

Taking 16mm triplewall polycarbonate as an example, clear sheet has a light transmission of 74%, opal has 62% and bronze has 30%

7. What is the fire performance of polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate has good fire behaviour characteristics and receives high ratings in several major European fire performance tests including EN13501. Always check with the Twinfix sales office for current classification, at the time of writing most variants achieve a class1Y when tested against BS476 part 7 surface spread of flame.

8. How does UV affect polycarbonate?

Solar radiation has a particularly harmful effect upon materials that are not protected. Many variants of multiwall polycarbonate have a unique proprietary UV-protected surface on one or both sides, giving excellent resistance to outdoor weathering. This unique protection ensures long-term optical quality under intensive UV exposure.

9. Twinfix Multi-Link, non-fragile panels are OK for pitched roofs, but what about curves?

Providing that the glazing bars are at appropriate centres, and combined with additional purlins, in many cases curved multi-wall and solid polycarbonate roofing can be designed as being non-fragile. Any specific requirement can be checked with our Design & Planning Department.

10. Am I required by the Building Regulations to have a non-fragile roof?

The Building Regulations themselves do not refer to “non-fragility” in relation to roofing systems. However, they do require that any structure is designed in accordance with the CDM Regulations, (Construction Design & Management) and these Regulations require that all buildings should be designed to utilise the safest method of construction available. (i.e. if a non-fragile design is feasible, then it should be used.)

11. Polycarbonate is virtually unbreakable, so isn't polycarbonate glazing non-fragile?

No, in many canopies that use multi-wall or solid polycarbonate glazing, the glazing is simply clamped into a glazing bar system that just holds these sheets in place. Whilst the sheet itself might not break, a falling object, (and in some cases even a strong wind), can flex the sheet and force it out from between the glazing bars. If someone were to trip on such a roof, they could fall through, endangering themselves and anyone underneath. Remember..... just because it doesn't break doesn't make it non-fragile.